FA still backing Platini for Fifa presidency

The Football Association is standing by its decision to back Michel Platini for the Fifa presidency for the time being at least but says there are issues which need to be “fully examined”.

Platini is under investigation by Swiss legal authorities and FIFA’s ethics committee over a €1.8m payment he received from Fifa in 2011 for work carried out for the organisation more than nine years previously.

The Uefa president insists the delay was because of Fifa’s financial position at the time but has not explained why there was a wait of nine years. The issue was discussed at an FA board meeting yesterday.